Chemeketa Community College DANIEL J. OSTLUND OCCUPATION: Salem Alliance Church OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: Corporate Director of Marketing SUPRA GE Interlogix, Inc. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Oregon State University, BS University of Oregon, MBA PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: 2001-2005 Chemeketa Community College Community colleges provide powerful solutions to
Oregons economic recovery by offering access to higher education at an
affordable level. More and more, opportunity in this country is a function of
education. Community colleges benefit our economy by retrenching the local
workforce, helping students get a start on baccalaureate degrees and offering
learning on everything from basic education to advanced technical and
professional training. Educational opportunity should be available to every
Oregonian and community colleges provide access to all, uniquely opening the
door to first generation college students. Serving on the board of education over the last
four years, I have witnessed the full value of Chemeketa Community College in
the Willamette Valley and Santiam Canyon. I am keenly aware of the budget
restraints affecting all community colleges. Enormous challenges are being
faced to provide educational quality in light of ever decreasing funding. With
the erosion of general fund support, community colleges are dealing with
service reductions and staffing cutbacks. The real test before us is how to
maintain quality education as demographics change, community demands increase
and fewer dollars are available. I am optimistic that Chemeketa Community College
will continue to sustain its position as a leading community resource. I
believe that a positive, growing faculty and college staff are essential to our
providing a comprehensive package of educational opportunities. I stand
committed to helping Chemeketa rise above our difficult economy and to its
being an essential ingredient of economic recovery in the Willamette Valley. (This
information furnished by Daniel J. Ostlund and is printed exactly as submitted.) |